Table of Contents

Safety in Peru

In General(From April 07 2017) There have been heavy rains across many regions of Peru in recent weeks causing flooding, landslides and mudslides. Tumbes, Trujillo and Piura and surrounding areas in the north of Peru have been particularly affected as have areas of Lima province, around the capital. There has been extensive damage to infrastructure, especially roads and bridges, across many areas of the country causing transport disruption, intermittent telephone and internet signals and water shortages in some parts of the country. Source

Tourist VisaIn general citizens of the countries in the listing below do NOT have to apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate before entering Peru. A passport valid at least six months

Stay longerThe maximum stay in Peru on a tourist visa is 183 days (per year)! You can't extent your tourist visa once you entered Peru! Meaning; when arriving at the airport or border, make sure you get a visa for the time you intent to stay. After Peruvian law the maximum time for a tourist to stay in the country is 183 days per year. Source

PickpocketersCrime is a constant problem in Lima and most other parts of Peru. Street crime is prevalent in most urban areas, especially in Lima. Pickpocketing, purse snatching, smash-and-grab robberies.

Transport Peru has one of the highest road fatality rates in Latin America. Traveling outside of Lima by road at night is considered hazardous due to potential domestic terrorist and/or criminal activity. Clandestine, impromptu roadblocks can appear on even major highways, where bus and automobile passengers are robbed. The risk is even greater on rural roads after dark.

TaxisTourists should use radio-dispatched taxicabs rather than public transportation. Do not hail a taxis off of the street. There are a number of radio-dispatched taxi services available.Source

Travel blogger GlobetrotterGirls say: "Dangers like taxi express kidnappings or theft on overnight buses that exist in other Latin American countries aren’t issues in Chile, making it one of the safest countries in South America. Chile has the lowest crime rate in all of South America, and in the 3.5 months we spent traversing that country from north to south, we honestly didn’t feel unsafe once." Source

Travel blogger Girl about the Globe say: "As in any other city be careful with your belongings in Lima and don’t walk about at night (Cuzco is much safer)." Source

OthersSo you may not think of yourself as being loaded with money, but as a traveler who can afford to take a plane from your home country to the other side of the world, you will be perceived by many as a goldmine. your actions and the way you present yourself can go a long way to keeping you safe. Menaing, don’t dress up no high heels or expensive jewellery in a backpack. Keep your outfits practical, conservative and as plain as you can. When you take photos, be surreptitious. Put your camera back in your bag and zip it up when you’re not using it. Source

What to See

Check out Lima Chances are your trip will begin and end in Peru’s capital city, Lima, and this is no bad thing as the city is a must-see. The Plaza Mayor is popular and you’ll want to bring a camera to catch its colonial beauty. At night, head to the Barranco district for the hottest parties in peñas– Afro-Peruvian clubs which bounce to the beat of cajón drums.

Explore Machu Picchu This legendary “lost city of the Incas” is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in all of South America and one of the best historical sites in the world. The ruins are high up in the Andes and are regularly obscured by cloud cover, which adds to the mystery of the place!

Hike the Inca TrailGetting to Machu Picchu is best via the famed Inca Trail. This multi-day hike allows you to see the mountains, jungles, and follow the route of the Incas. Book in advance, as it fills up months ahead of time during peak season.

Visit the Islas Flotantes de los Uros The Floating Islands of the Uros may sound like an Indiana Jones title but it is actually the name of the group of handmade islands in Lake Titicaca. The Islands are home to the indigenous Uros people who have built their own houses, islands and boats from the tortora reeds which grow along the banks of the lake. This is an extremely touristy site, and is a bit exploited as such, so it’s not for everyone.

Hike the Colca Canyon Colca Canyon is the deepest canyon in the world and is thought to be twice as deep as the Grand Canyon at certain parts. This is a great place to spot Andean condors and unlike the Grand Canyon, Colca is habitable. A trip here isn’t complete unless you visit one of the small agricultural villages for a taste of daily life.

Surf at Máncora Beach Seafood, watersports, horse riding and relaxation are the order of the day at this popular beach resort. Máncora is one of the finest beaches in South America and its year-round sunshine and huge waves also makes it Peru’s surfing Mecca.

Fly over the Nasca Lines The Nasca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs that dominate the San José desert and in particular, the Nasca Valley. There are over 10,000 lines and 300 different plant and animal figures depicted. No one really knows how they got there (maybe aliens?).

Step back through time at Batán Grande Batán Grande is an archaeological site comprised of 50 pyramids and tombs. This site was once the Sicán capital and has had its fair share of impressive pre-Columbian artifacts recovered over the years – for example, a gold Tumi weighing almost seven pounds which was recovered from one of the royal tombs.

Relax at Lake Titicaca Titicaca is one of the most famous bodies of water in the world. The lake covers over 3,000 square miles and sits at 12,500 feet above sea level and as such is considered the world’s largest high altitude lake. The towns surrounding the lake are tourist friendly and a mix of colonial architecture and bustling markets, while the islands dotted around the lake are largely off the radar for most travelers.

Discover Cuzco This colonial city is a major tourist destination and sits on Inca-built stone foundations not far from Peru’s major attraction of Machu Picchu. The area is popular with trail walkers, history lovers, and party-goers who come to enjoy the city’s many colorful festivals. Cuzco is the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas and an essential part of your trip to Peru.

Get Your Amazon Fix in Iquitos Accessible only by boat or plane, jungle-locked Iquitos is the largest city within the Peruvian rainforest. The city sits at the mouth of the Amazon and so is the perfect destination for fans of eco-tourism. The nearby Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is Peru’s largest Reverse and at two million hectares, it is home to a huge range of nearly 1000 birds, mammals, fish and reptiles.

Sandboard in Huacachina This little town is a desert oasis and a welcome relief after hiking through Machu Picchu. It’s very affordable for travelers looking to relax and are running out of funds. Hostels offer great deals for sandboarding and sandbuggies around the dunes. There is also a lagoon surrounded by palm trees here too.

See penguins in Paracas Paracas is in the south of Peru, and is sometimes called the “Poor Man’s Galapagos” for its impressive wildlife: thousands of birds, as well as large sea lion and penguin populations live along the water. You can visit the Paracas National Reserve via an organized boat tour. Be sure to go early (around 8 am).

Walk through the White City Arequipa is a beautiful city with a historical center that was constructed primarily from volcanic ash from the nearby volcanoes. Come to visit the gorgeous Santa Catalina Monastery, see a frozen Inca mummy, or just to take in the city’s architecture over a glass of wine in the main square.

Hike in Huaraz Not to be confused with Juarez in Mexico, Peru’s Huaraz is a great (and perfectly safe) destination for adventure-seekers. The mountains here are stunning, and there are fantastic multi-day trek options for those looking for some outdoor activity.

Go to El Parque de las Aguas This park in downtown Lima has a beautiful water fountain and is open from 3-10:30 pm, Tuesday-Sunday. There’s an amazing light show at night too!

Visit Chachapoyas This region lies in the Andean mountains and is home to the Chachapoya civilization that lived there between 500 and 1432. Today, you can visit Kuelap, the fortified city at known as “The Machu Picchu of the North”. Be sure to also visit Gocta, a beautiful waterfall that is one of the highest in the world. You can get there by taking a tour from Chachapoyas.

Visit Trujillo On your way to Mancora, stop in Trujillo, a small fishing town directly on the beach. While here, visit the archaeological site of Chan Chan, the world’s biggest adobe city ever built. It was built by the Chimu civilization that live before the Incas from 850 and 1534.

Insider

Hospedajes These are family run hotels and are the cheapest accommodation you can find. They will be a great deal.

Public transportationLima’s new intra-city buses is definitely a great alternative to taxis, especially if you’re staying in the beautiful tourist suburb of Miraflores. It’s easy to access and will get to downtown museums quickly.

Eat the meal of the day These are set meals and are a bit like the ‘meal of the day’, which you can get for 9 PEN.

Travel off-seasonFor a low-cost trip, the best times to visit Peru are the fringe months of April and May or September and October.

Take the collectivosThese are cheap buses. They cost around 1-2 PEN for a ride. They are a bit confusing, but there is always a door person (usually a young man) whom you can quickly ask if the bus is going to your location. There are not always marked bus stops, so look for gathering crowds.

Book last minuteIf you are looking to do the Inca Trail and have a bit of extra time to wait for a deal, showing up in Cusco or booking a last minute tour can save you lots of money. Booking months in advance gets you the premium price but wait and you’ll find your patience rewarded. This normally works for Inca Trail tours on the Salktantay, Inca Jungle or Lares tours, the classic Inca Trail is normally fully-booked months in advance.

Go on a free walking tour This is a great way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and to avoid missing any must-see stops. Free Walking Tour Peru has tours that can guide you around both Lima and Cusco.

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The NGO Map of Peru

Where to Volunteer

WAVESCommunity (Lobitos)

Mission of WAVESWAVES inspires world travel and cultural exchange through surf experiences, while collaboratively building a network of partnerships that connect travelers, community members and grassroots initiatives. Lobitos is a small surfing town on the desert coast of Northern of Peru. You can find WAVES in Peru, Mexico and Nicaragua.

Volunteer Programs Projects will vary based on your skills and interests and the needs in the community at the time of your visit. English Language Teaching, Environmental Education, Surf & Swim Classes, Social Entrepreneurship, and Community Outreach.

Mission of Sharing Dreams ProjectA not-for-profit organization located in The Mantaro Valley, the Peruvian Andes. Managed and driven by volunteers with first-hand social programs. They support people who lived in extreme poverty, economic, social or cultural difficulties. Improving there life quality by implementing there own resources and sustain their ancient Andean culture on respect nature, each others support.

Mission of The Light and Leadership InitiativeThey are dedicated to improve access to quality education in Huaycán, Peru. Simply sad, they believe in education. They believe in the power to create opportunities, form leaders and to transform lives. They offer children, teen and women's programs!

Volunteer Programs volunteer program within the Huaycan community, investing not only in education, but its economic future.

Mission of Intiwawa Intiwawa is a dynamic and young organization that fights poverty in the slums of Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru. Our main focus is in a small settlement on the outskirts called San Isidro.

Volunteer Programs Taking care of children and participate in ongoing projects. Get active in the temporary projects. coordination work, teaching English, helping with homework, helping in the kindergarten, providing medical services, organizing fundraising activities band helping out with any new projects or campaigns.

Mission of Bemelsa In memory of Melchorita Saravia, a beloved good-samaritan of Grocio Prado, the organization spend food and a safe place to stay, to children and Monks in the Parroquia San Pedro de Grocio Prado church. Today they developed activities programs build a "Comedor" where children come together. They learn to appreciate themselves to become more convenient in there actions.

Volunteer Programs You will support with daily tasks in the "Comedor" helping in the kitchen, cleaning, exchange with the children and other activities.

Mission of AYNIWith the focus on education and sustainable development, the organization works together with the community of "Alto de los More" to alleviate or address some of the major barriers of living in extreme poverty. Their role is multifaceted and continues unfold and grow within the community.

Volunteer Programs Humanitarian work, share your time and love with others, stay solidarity with the poor people and be part of a community, teaching and adore children,

Mission of Amazon Animal OrphanageDesignated by the Peruvian Government as a "Centre of Custody" for resscued wild animals. It is home to many magnificent species under the protection of the Orphanage. The butterfly farm (Pilpintuwasi) has grown over the last years and now serves as a official rescue and rehabilitation center and orphanage for animals in need as well as a butterfly farm.

Volunteer Programs help guiding tours of the facility, Feeding the monkeys, making monkey toys and designing, Walking the coatis and ocelot, digging for worms for our coatis, fishing in the lake, Volunteers may also help with the butterflies, You may end up gardening or helping to maintain enclosures.

Mission of NGO TaxiNGO Taxi is a voice and a vehicle to help Latin American grass-roots organizations get to where they want to go. With this as there commitment, they offer unique travel and volunteering opportunities to globally-conscious travelers seeking to engage locally.

Volunteer Programs You can support local, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), non-profit organizations (NPOs) and private development aid initiatives all over South America.

Mission of Hoop PeruBreaking the cycle of poverty through education. Volunteer with HOOP and make a difference teaching English in Arequipa, Peru. Join the HOOP team as a Children’s English Teacher and get the chance to experience a different culture, develop your professional skills, learn a new language and give something back to society.

Volunteer Programs Give English classes, help children with homework or be part at the playground. Record lesson plans and monitor student progress, join weekly volunteer meetings. Build relationships with the parents

Mission of FIMRCFIMRC Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children is a non-profit organization on a mission to bring improved healthcare to communities in the developing world. They provid access to quality healthcare and educating community members on preventative measures.

Volunteer Programs Thousands of volunteers have joined us in our mission to improve healthcare. Healthcare professionals, medical students, undergraduates and individuals passionate about giving back have dedicated their time to the children and families that they serve.

Mission of EL Arte Sano UrubambaEL ARTE SANO URUBAMBA is an educational organization with an intercultural focus, dedicated to providing language courses and organizing arts, cultural and social activities, driving development in the community of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Solidarity, love, peace, sustainability, empowerment, respect, personal and collective growth, equality, inclusion, tolerance, non-discrimination and participation.

Volunteer Programs Teach English. They offer a teacher training program which is designed to give someone with no or very little teaching experience a chance to get into teaching.

Mission of EL Arte Sano UrubambaYanapay is a Quechua word, a verb meaning "help." The community produces all by them selves - as good as possible. If it's food, clothing or supplies in general. A way to learn, that it is possible to live without being a victim of an consumer society. An orphanage, a school, a lodge, a clinic, and a magic garden. All in one world, all in one and the same wonderful planet called earth.

Volunteer Programs National and international volunteers are welcome. Help at there school at the cultural center Aldea Yanapay surrounded by children.

Mission of Santa Martha FoundationA nonprofit institution, provides hope of a new life to approximately 72 physically and emotionally abandoned children. Santa Martha was created with the sole purpose of serving needy children by giving them education, protection, love, and moral and spiritual formation. We aim to raise our children to be responsible adults, capable of meeting life's challenges upon they leave our care.

Mission of Inti Runakunaq WasinInti Runakunaq Wasin, Is a place where children and youth, with different abilities, come together. They come from difficult family situation and poverty, living on the streets. The definition of Inti is a foundation with the aim of educational service and to support adolescents risks in the region of Cusco.

Volunteer Programs Help with there social programs, processing situation due to their situation of poverty, mistreatment or lack of protection. They are located in the district of San Jeronimo, Santiago, Andahuaylillas and Piñipampa.

Mission of EspaanglischA non-profit organization, A community of people dedicated to creating equal opportunities for developing quality of life of children in Peru. Providing free English language education for children in underprivileged areas and partner organizations.

Volunteer Programs Teach children basic English. It will be their first exposure to the English language, and is an enriching experience for volunteers too.

Mission of SKIPSKIP is a non-profit organization helping economically-disadvantaged children in the impoverished districts of El Porvenir and Alto Trujillo, realise their right to an education. We promote quality education and empower children and families to be the principal agents of sustainable change in their own lives.

Volunteer Programs Looking for enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers who can bring something positive to there project and help them achieve more. For example you can be a teacher in math, English, IT or a sports coach. A fashion designer, youth worker and so on.

Mission of Incawasi Incawasi is a non-profit organization whose objective is to improve the educational, social and nutritional situation of children and youth from the disadvantaged areas of the city of Cajamarca, Peru. We are committed to supporting the children we serve through to the end of secondary school to overcome poverty and build a better future for themselves.

Volunteer Programs They welcome individuals of diverse backgrounds who are committed to helping children in need. Given that all of the work takes place in Spanish, it is an advantage if volunteers have a conversational level in Spanish (or are willing to learn).

Mission of Seeds of HopeBuilding Better Lives for Children. Seeds of Hope provides a safe environment to help impoverished students achieve academic and social success. To achieve this, we use a multi- facetted approach, combining tutoring, emotional well- being classes, daily nutritious meals and a family environment focused on educational success.

Volunteer Programs They encourage anyone to volunteer as long as you bring a bit of commitment and enthusiasm.

Mission of Expand PeruThe nonprofit organization works with youth in marginalized urban and rural communities. These children and teenagers are often facing poor socioeconomic conditions, and many have been abandoned. There development work takes place in the Mantaro Valley, located in the Peruvian Andes mountains.

Volunteer Programs Education, social and health work. Characterize a spirit of service, creativity, high moral standards, social conscience, solidarity, leadership, responsibility, good interpersonal relationships, the ability to work in a team, discipline, the ability to communicate well, and a concern for development and the greater good.

Mission of Expand PeruRural schools and communities in Peru near the Andean city of Huancayo to empower sustainable change through education, agriculture, and microbusiness. Volunteers, local authorities, and community agents form a key part of our work.

Volunteer Programs You are teaching kids in high schools, there independent center, and also in the surrounding community support there project in education, agriculture, well being, and micro finance. You will help deliver a creativity and multimedia-focused curriculum and create workshops for students based on their skills and the school's needs.

Intro of Tinkuy PeruTinkuy Peru is committed to helping Andean kids find their place in this world. Our holistic approach begins with providing education, healthcare, moral, spiritual and material support for children who are living in poverty and ends with them becoming interdependent, contributing members of society.

Volunteer Programs Teach English, geography, history, math or coloring, sing songs, playing sports, make excursions, teach the awareness of environmental and health/hygiene and so on.

Mission of Makikita QuykuwayMakikita Quykuway means “Give me your hand” in Quechua, the ancient language of the Incas. A non-profit organization guided by this principle, the organization has brought together a network of compassionate social services professionals dedicated to improving the lives of the poor and underprivileged in Peru.

Volunteer Programs Volunteers can choose where they would like to help based on their profession. At the Public Schools, Special Needs School, Medical Centers, Community Centers, Street Children Programs, and the Nursery.

Mission of MySmallHelp'sMySmallHelp's (MSH) believes that the best way to relieve poverty is through the provision of education and skills training to people who otherwise would not have access such programs. See what’s new with our work – or make a difference by volunteering or donating. They are in Nepal and Peru.

Volunteer Programs Visiting individual disabled children in their homes to help with physiotherapy, homework, teaching English and improving the home situation for the family. Organizing specialized medical, Raising funds for the organization.

Mission of LAFFLatin American Foundation for the Future (LAFF) is a small UK-registered charity which works to give vulnerable children and young people in Peru the tools and skills to build themselves an independent future. LAFF partners with organizations in Cusco and Lima which share there vision and supports them through various topics.

Volunteer Programs LAFF is looking for volunteers which assisting there International Projects Manager and work with there local partners in Cusco.

Mission of Peruvian HeartsPeruvian Hearts works to end poverty and gender inequality by educating young women and creating community leaders in Peru—one girl at a time. Peruvian-born Ana Dodson developed this nonprofit organization to enable young women to embrace education, believe in their own power, and dream of a life beyond the conditions into which they were born.

Volunteer Programs We provide our volunteers with opportunities to make a real, lasting impact in the lives of the girls and children we support.